What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBetaine
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-100 Stearate
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Lactobacillus, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, Arginine, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glyceryl Glucoside, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Retinol, Adenosine, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, Phenoxyethanol, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Polysorbate 20, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingRetinol
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Propionate
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Polyacrylamide
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDMDM Hydantoin
PreservativeIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-4, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Polyacrylamide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Titanium Dioxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water